FreedomWorks

The Issue

The flood of litigation surrounding the use of asbestos is another example of our legal system gone haywire. Asbestos was commonly used by a range of businesses decades ago, and now trial lawyers are destroying entire industries in an increasingly frivolous witch hunt-- a witch hunt that too often enriches the trial lawyers at the expense of individuals who have actual medical needs.

The FreedomWorks Position

We're glad that Congress recognizes the urgent need for asbestos reform, but FreedomWorks opposes current proposals for a federal trust fund that would simply tax business and perpetuate payments for bogus claims and trial lawyer fees. Instead, Congress should enact real tort reform that bars abusive lawsuits and allows valid claims to proceed. We need an asbestos solution that focuses on medical criteria and helping those individuals who are in need, and doesn't involve new taxes or egregious payouts to trial lawyers.